Bentley sets Pikes Peak SUV record

PIKES Peak. It’s the most famous venue for a hill climb race. Located in Colorado, it is marked by 156 corners and a finish line that sits more than a kilometer-and-ahalf above sea level. Bentley’s new Bentayga — the brand’s first sportute model — on June 24 claimed the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record for production SUVs.

Two- time Pikes Peak champion Rhys Millen drove the Bentayga through the 19.98-kilometer course in 10 minutes and 49.9 seconds, indicating an average speed of 107 kph. The result bested by nearly two minutes the previous record set in 2013 by Paul Dallenbach aboard a Range Rover Sport.

In a statement, Bentley Motors noted the Bentayga used at Pikes Peak was a “near- production” car, with “only minimal changes” made to a standard model — as the event’s rules dictated. The car’s front seats were replaced with racing versions, the rear seats were removed, and a roll cage and a fire suppression system were installed. Tires fitted came from Pirelli’s DOT-marked range, and a production-spec Akrapovic sport exhaust replaced the stock unit. A special paint job adorned by allblack chrome and a carbon-fiber body kit from Bentley’s Black Specification range distinguished the Pikes Peak Bentayga.

The Bentayga is propelled by a W12 engine that outputs 600 hp and 900 Nm. The SUV is equipped with an adaptive air suspension, active electric anti-roll control and carbon ceramic brakes, among other high-performance items.

To celebrate the Pikes Peak record, Bentley Motors on June 25 announced a limited edition Bentayga, of which only 10 examples will be made. Created and handcrafted by Mulliner — Bentley’s inhouse bespoke and coach-building division — the Pikes Peak Bentayga will come in either Beluga black or Radium green, two-tone 22-inch wheels, Black Specification carbonfiber splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler. A Pikes Peak motif will adorn the front fenders.

Inside the car, Mulliner Design pieces mix Key Lime accents with Beluga leather, and the seats and doors will get Alcantara inserts. The steering wheel and gear lever will also be trimmed in Alcantara, and the headlining in Eliade cloth. A Pikes Peak logo and numbered tread plate will complete the theme.

Bentley Motors said the limited edition Bentayga will be available to order starting in August for customers in the US and Europe. —